Chapter Fifteen: Iron Heart Tang

  Four people sat obediently on the wide, intricately carved wooden chairs, suddenly feeling much smaller. In the hearts of Big Cow and Water-born Little Brother, they suddenly became very interested in the position of "General", and simultaneously thought to themselves that if they could become a "General", it would also be a pretty good thing.

  Wang Long, being several years older, had been taught by his grandfather since childhood, but he didn't dare to glance around like a big cow or water buffalo, sitting upright and motionless. Xiao Juan's two eyeballs rolled around rapidly, staring at the snacks on the tea table next to the adults, drooling.

  Shuǐ shēng felt awkward sitting on the high wooden chair, and seeing General Tiě Yì didn't seem so "fearsome" after all, she plucked up her courage and jumped down from the chair, standing behind her father. Xiao Juān followed suit, sliding down from the chair and slipping to her mother's side, staring unblinkingly at the maidservant who was busy serving tea and pouring water, thinking about reaching out to grab a pastry on the tea table for a taste, but not daring to do so.

  Seeing General Iron Wing was also a straightforward person, Wang Mengfan and Zhou's couple had long lost their initial restraint, the few people chatted happily, even the four little children slowly relaxed their mood, although they didn't dare to speak, their eyes were already unscrupulous.

  General Iron Wing Hong said, "Iron certain originally planned to rush to Yu Ding Mountain to see the immortal master before June 6th of next year, but did not expect that last year such a serious wolf disaster occurred. To prevent any accidents from happening this year, it is necessary to screen the young children who were recommended by various important officials from Longyang City in advance and put them under protection, teaching them some etiquette, so that when they are sent to Yu Ding Mountain, they can be more refined than the children sent by other states."

  Wang Mengfan, Zhou Jinping and Luo Xiuying suddenly realized why Old Master Wang had asked them to send the four children to Longyang City ahead of time.

  Next, General Iron Wing scrutinized the four children one by one, feeling greatly relieved and laughing: "Uncle Wang Ke's discerning eye is indeed unique. Although I, Iron, cannot tell if these four nephews have any spiritual roots or wisdom, I can see that these four little guys are all intelligent and strong beyond compare, far surpassing me in my younger years."

  Four little children heard praise for themselves, each heart filled with joy! They stood in a row, unconsciously straightening their small backs.

  General Iron Wing sighed and said, "Iron certain because of the poor spiritual root, in those years in the Jade Cauldron Gate was unable to cultivate a fairy fate, could only practice martial arts and array methods outside the temple, always regarded as a lifelong regret. If one of you four can cultivate a fairy achievement, when your skills are fully developed, if there is evil in my divine state, I hope you can lend a hand and protect the people of Longyang City." After finishing speaking, he stood up and bowed to the four children.

  Four children looked at each other in surprise, and Wang Long, being a few years older, hastily saluted General Iron Wing again and said: "Uncle Iron, rest assured that only one of us four can cultivate the immortal way, and we will never forget your recommendation. We will definitely do our best to protect Dragon City." Big Cow and Shui Sheng finally understood the meaning behind General Iron's words and echoed in agreement.

  The Iron Wing General nodded in satisfaction.

  Lu Xiangying still had a hint of worry in her heart, and asked: "I heard that the general only accepted thirty young children to seek out their fate, I don't know how many young children have been recommended and came to Longyang City for selection?"

  General Iron Wing smiled and said, "Sister Xiuying doesn't need to worry. Although there will be over a hundred children participating in the selection, those who can surpass the four of them are probably very few. Besides, the one hosting the selection is me, Iron Something, so you can rest assured."

  As they spoke, the servants had already set up a sumptuous feast and also reserved a seat for each of the four children. The four children's attention was immediately focused on the delicious food in front of them, their eyes shining brightly. Fortunately, Wang Mengfan had specially taught the four of them etiquette before coming to Longyang City, and there were servants waiting on them, so they didn't make any mistakes.

  After the wine party, General Tie Wing said to Wang Mengfan and Zhou Jinping: "Two brothers, I still have other things on my mind, so I won't stay long today. Ten days later, we will start testing these more than a hundred children. Everyone can rest assured and live in their rooms for now. When you are free, take your sons and daughters to Longyang City to play around.

  After that, he ordered a male servant who was waiting below: "Tie Bao, for the next few days, you will be in charge of the food and accommodation of these noble guests. If anything unexpected happens, I will ask you!"

  The young servant answered repeatedly. Looking at his appearance, he was quite handsome!

  The next morning, as soon as everyone had finished washing up, Tie Bao was already waiting outside the house, and with a smile, he said to Wang Mengfan: "Master Wang, today I'll take everyone to Longyang Lake for a trip, how about that?" Wang Mengfan took out ten taels of silver from his sleeve and handed them to Tie Bao, saying: "Thank you, Brother Tie Bao. We are not familiar with Longyang City, so we will trouble you to make arrangements for us these few days."

  Tie Bao reluctantly accepted the silver, beaming with joy. Seeing Tie Ying and Wang Mengfan, Zhou Jinping addressing each other as brothers, he also saw Wang Mengfan's generosity and thought to himself that although these people seemed like ordinary villagers, they were actually extraordinary individuals. Upon learning that Wang Mengfan and Zhou Jinping could ride horses, he hastily prepared three fine steeds and a carriage.

  Several people had just walked out of the Tie Mansion's gate when a golden lacquered carriage came galloping from outside, with two fine horses harnessed to it. The horse that Tie Bao was leading, a sorrel horse, let out a loud whinny as soon as it saw one of the horses pulling the carriage and started running forward frantically, dragging its reins along. It seemed to be very familiar with the red horse pulling the carriage.

  A clear and bright voice of a young girl came from the carriage: "Tie Bao, who allowed you to take Little Red out for someone else to ride?" Along with the sound, a 12 or 13-year-old girl jumped out of the carriage. Her lips were red, her teeth were white, and her eyebrows were clear and beautiful. She was wearing a short crimson silk dress that set off her snow-white skin beautifully. However, at this moment, she had a slight frown on her brow, her small mouth pouted high, and her face looked unhappy.

  The curtain of the carriage was gently lifted, and a woman in green clothes got out. She was about thirty years old, with fair skin and beautiful features. She stretched out her hand to hold the little girl, saying: "Xintang, as soon as you get home, you make such a fuss, where is your dignity as a young lady? The horse is for people to ride on, why are you shouting and making a scene?" Although she was scolding the little girl, her voice was still soft and pleasant.

  "No way! Little Red is mine alone, and I won't let anyone ride her!" The little girl retorted as she ran forward and snatched the reins from Tie Bao's hands.

  Tie Bao smiled awkwardly, bowed to the woman in green and the girl in red, and said: "I've seen you, madam, I've seen you, young lady!" He pointed to Wang Mengfan and others, saying: "These are all noble guests specially invited by the master. The master ordered me to take good care of them. I was just about to take a few noble guests to Longyang Lake for a stroll. Does the madam have any orders?"

  The woman in the green dress glanced at Wang Mengfan and Zhou Jinping, seeing that although their clothes were rough, they also had a dignified air about them. She didn't dare to treat them lightly, so she bowed to Wang Mengfan and said: "You guests have come from afar, but unfortunately I was at my sister's house yesterday and couldn't welcome you properly. If the servants in the mansion haven't treated you well, please forgive us!"

  At this time, Wang Mengfan still did not know that the green-robed woman was the wife of General Tieyi. He cupped his hands and returned a courtesy, saying: "This must be General Tieyi's wife. I am Wang Mengfan, from Wang Village in Hengshui Town. This time I came to your esteemed residence, causing much disturbance. Please forgive me, madam!"

  The woman in the green dress's eyes lit up, and she said: "Could it be that you are the young master of Wang Kui's uncle? My husband often mentions the kindness of Wang Kui's uncle from back then, but I have never had the chance to meet him! I don't know if Uncle is in good health nowadays?"

  Wang Mengfan smiled and said, "Thanks to your concern, my father's body is still strong!" Seeing the green shirt lady looking at Zhou Jinyan couple and four children, he quickly introduced one by one: "These two are Zhou Jinyan brother and Xiuying sister, this is my son Wang Long, these three are Zhou brother's sons and daughters, also under me apprentices Dabao, Shengshui, Xiaojuan. This time coming here, it was for the matter of Yuding Mountain."

  The green-shirted woman hadn't spoken yet, but the little girl had already pouted and said: "Dà Niú, Shuǐ Shēng, what ugly names! One looks like a cow and is as stupid as one, the other is all black like a piece of charcoal, and he's actually called Shuǐ Shēng (water-born), it's hilarious! If charcoal could be born in water, cows would fly to the sky! Hehe! I bet if you jumped into the water, you'd definitely sink to the bottom!" Her voice was clear and pleasant, but her tone was full of teasing and disdain.

  When the girl got off the carriage, Wang Long, Da Niu and Shui Sheng's eyes lit up at the same time. The girl had skin as white as snow and a face as beautiful as a painting, completely different from the girls in the mountain village. Even her slightly furrowed eyebrows looked charming. Wang Long's heart skipped a beat, he stole a few glances before quickly looking away. Da Niu and Shui Sheng stared with wide eyes, unable to look away. Even Xiao Juan couldn't help but stare at the girl and her bright red dress.

  The girl's heart was filled with indignation, these guests who were dressed like country folk not only wanted to ride her beloved sorrel horse out for a spin but also dared to stare at her so rudely, and she couldn't help but blurt out a sarcastic remark.

  When the girl teased, the big cow's face turned red and he looked away in embarrassment. Shui Sheng's expression changed and he was about to retort, but Luo Xiuying gave him a sideways glance, and only then did Shui Sheng hum discontentedly and turn his head away, no longer looking at the girl. On the other side, Wang Long secretly found it amusing, while Xiaojuan had her mouth agape, with an odd expression!

  The lady in green scowled, pushed the little girl and said: "Xintang, what nonsense are you talking about? These few brothers and sisters are going to practice with you at Yuding Gate. Quickly apologize to the two young masters!"

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